recitative

/ɹɛˈsaɪtətɪv/ /ɹɛsɪtəˈtiːv/

Meanings

noun

Dialogue, in an opera etc, that, rather than being sung as an aria, is reproduced with the rhythms of normal speech, often with simple musical accompaniment or harpsichord continuo, serving to expound the plot

Examples :

"During the opera, the king relayed his plans to invade in a lengthy recitative, which allowed the story to move forward between the more melodic arias. "

adjective

Of a recital

Examples :

"The student's recitative performance of the poem, while technically correct, lacked emotional depth. "

music

Related Words

harpsichord noun

/ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/ /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/

A musical instrument with a keyboard that produces sound through a mechanical process. When the performer presses a key, a corresponding plectrum plucks a tuned string. Harpsichord originated in late medieval Europe and is one of the most important instruments used to perform Baroque music.

"The harpsichord in the music room made a beautiful sound as the student practiced Baroque pieces. "

technically adverb

/ˈtɛknɪkli/

Based on precise facts.

"Technically he was Canadian, but everyone assumed he was American."

accompaniment noun

/ə.ˈkʌm.pə.ni.mənt/

A part, usually performed by instruments, that gives support or adds to the background in music, or adds for ornamentation; also, the harmony of a figured bass.

"The singer's beautiful voice was enhanced by the soft piano accompaniment. "

serving verb

/ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

(personal) To provide a service (or, by extension, a product, especially food or drink).

"The restaurant is serving delicious pasta tonight. "

dialogue noun

/ˈdaɪəlɑɡ/ /ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/ /ˈdaɪəlɔɡ/

A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals.

"Bill and Melinda maintained a dialogue via email over the course of their long-distance relationship."

expound verb

/ɪkˈspaʊnd/

To set out the meaning of; to explain or discuss at length

"The teacher took time to expound upon the complex theorem so the students could understand it better. "

reproduced verb

/ˌriːprəˈduːst/ /ˌriːprəˈdjuːst/

To produce an image or copy of.

"The artist reproduced the famous painting, creating an exact copy. "

rhythms noun

/ˈrɪðəmz/

The variation of strong and weak elements (such as duration, accent) of sounds, notably in speech or music, over time; a beat or meter.

"Dance to the rhythm of the music."

continuo noun

/kənˈtɪnjuːoʊ/ /kənˈtɪnjuːoʊwɔ/

The bass line of music, especially for a keyboard instrument, that continues throughout a work; basso continuo.

"The harpsichord provided the continuo for the small baroque ensemble, grounding the higher melodies with its steady bass line. "

emotional adjective

/ɪˈməʊʃnəl/ /iˈmoʊʃənəl/

Of or relating to the emotions.

"emotional crisis"

performance noun

[pə.ˈfɔː.məns] [pɚ.ˈfɔɹ.məns]

The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.

"the performance of an undertaking or a duty"

musical noun

/ˈmju.zɪ.kəl/

A stage performance, show or film that involves singing, dancing and musical numbers performed by the cast as well as acting.

"The school's annual musical was a huge success, with the students performing catchy songs and energetic dances. "